The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon — nicknamed the “Supreme Gundog” and widely recognized as one of the world’s most versatile bird dogs — is an AKC Sporting Group breed developed in the late 19th century to excel at pointing, retrieving, and tracking in any terrain and weather. Its distinctive wiry, low-shedding coat, exceptional trainability, and warm family temperament make it one of the most complete gun dog and family companion combinations in the AKC registry.
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Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Lifespan12 - 14
Average Price$1,000 - $2,500
Weight23 - 3216 - 23
Height56 - 6151 - 56
PedigreeYes
Health tests availableOFA Hip Dysplasia Evaluation (AKC CHIC requirement), OFA Elbow Dysplasia Evaluation (AKC CHIC requirement), OFA CAER Eye Evaluation (AKC CHIC requirement), OFA Cardiac Evaluation (recommended), OFA Thyroid Evaluation (recommended)
NicknamesGriff, Korthals Griffon, WPG, Supreme Gundog
Pros
Known as the “Supreme Gundog” — one of the most versatile pointing, tracking, and retrieving gun dogs in the AKC registry
Exceptionally trainable and eager to please — the Griffon consistently excels at AKC hunt tests and field trials
Outstanding family dog — warm, patient, and genuinely devoted, equally at home in the field and the living room
Low-shedding, distinctive wiry coat suits hunters and families who want a capable field dog without heavy shedding
Cons
Wiry coat requires regular stripping or trimming — more demanding than a smooth sporting dog’s coat
High hunting drive and energy require genuine field work or equivalent vigorous daily exercise
Moderate rarity in the United States means responsible breeders maintain waiting lists
Hip and elbow dysplasia are relevant concerns requiring OFA screening of both parents
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed by Dutch breeder Edward Korthals beginning in the 1870s, who sought to create the ultimate versatile hunter by selectively crossing German Griffons, Otterhounds, Setters, Spaniels, and Pointers to produce a dog that could track and point upland birds, retrieve waterfowl, and work in any weather or terrain. The breed spread rapidly through Europe and was brought to the United States in the early 20th century. The AKC recognized the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in the Sporting Group. The American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association (AWPGA) serves as the AKC parent club and maintains a rigorous health testing program for registered breeders.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium to large dog standing 51 to 61 cm at the shoulder and weighing 16 to 32 kg. The most distinctive feature is the harsh, wiry, steel-gray and brown coat with a characteristic bristly beard and eyebrows that give the breed its distinguished, rugged appearance. The coat lies flat against the body, is water-resistant, and sheds significantly less than many sporting breeds. Eyes are typically yellow or brown, giving the breed a warm, intelligent expression. The overall impression is of a capable, rugged, and supremely functional gun dog.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is intelligent, enthusiastic, and deeply people-oriented — one of the most genuinely family-friendly sporting breeds in the AKC registry. These dogs form warm bonds with all members of their household, are typically excellent with children, and bring the same cooperative spirit to family life that makes them such effective hunting partners. The breed’s desire to please is exceptional; “Griffs love being with people” is a consistent observation from breed enthusiasts. The hunting drive is genuine and strong, but within the household the Griffon is warm, playful, and unmistakably devoted.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is among the most trainable sporting breeds recognized by the AKC. Its intelligence, eagerness to please, and cooperative working heritage combine to produce a dog that responds to training with enthusiastic reliability. The breed excels at AKC Hunt Tests, where its versatile hunting capabilities can be formally evaluated and titled. Positive reinforcement produces excellent results for both field work and household obedience.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is consistently outstanding with children. Its warm, gentle temperament, patience, and genuine family devotion make it one of the most reliable sporting breeds for households with children of all ages. The breed’s moderate size, non-aggressive character, and manageable energy level make it a practical and safe companion for active family environments.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon faces some health considerations common to medium sporting breeds. Hip and elbow dysplasia are the primary orthopaedic concerns; OFA hip and elbow evaluations are required by the AKC CHIC program for certified breeding animals. OFA CAER eye examination is also CHIC-required. The AWPGA’s health testing program is among the more rigorous for sporting breeds, and buyers should look for CHIC-certified parents as a quality indicator. A healthy Wirehaired Pointing Griffon typically lives 12 to 14 years.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires an active household with genuine hunting or vigorous outdoor exercise opportunities. Its family warmth means it should not be regularly kenneled away from household life. Regular coat maintenance, weekly ear cleaning (particularly for hunting dogs), and routine veterinary care complete the care requirements for this capable and affectionate sporting breed.
The wiry coat requires stripping or trimming two to three times per year to maintain correct texture and manage length. Professional hand-stripping preserves the harsh coat texture; clipping softens it over time. Between strips, brushing weekly maintains the coat. Bathing as needed after field work. Ear cleaning weekly. Nail trimming and teeth brushing complete the routine.
60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. As a versatile bird dog with genuine field stamina, the Griffon thrives with hunting, hiking, swimming, and structured canine sports. AKC Hunt Tests and field trials are excellent structured outlets that also measure working ability.
Feed the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon two to three cups of high-quality dry kibble per day divided into two meals. Choose an active medium-breed formula with a quality protein source — the Griff is a versatile hunting breed that works equally well on upland birds and in water retrieval, making adequate protein essential for muscle recovery. Adjust daily amounts based on whether the dog is a working hunting companion (more calories) or primarily a companion dog (less). Hunting-season calories may increase significantly. The American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association (AWPGA) is the US breed club.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon puppies from AWPGA-affiliated, CHIC-compliant parents in the United States typically cost $1,000 to $2,500. CHIC certification confirming OFA hip, elbow, and CAER eye evaluations is the key quality indicator. The AWPGA maintains a national breeder referral program. Lancaster Puppies occasionally features WPG listings from established US sporting dog breeders.
Look for breeders affiliated with the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association and participating in the AKC CHIC program. Request CHIC certification — confirming OFA hip, OFA elbow, and OFA CAER eye evaluations for both parents. The AWPGA’s breeder code of ethics and health testing program represent a high standard for sporting breed buyers. Lancaster Puppies is a useful starting resource for finding established WPG breeders.